Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tonight was also great! Greg Laurie had lost an adult son to a car accident. He brought Steven Curtis Chapman who had also lost a daughter to a car accident, and Jeremy Camp who had lost his wife of 2 years to cancer. Greg Laurie spoke about how we have hope in the Lord even when things happen we don't quite understand. We don't have all the answers, but God has a reason for everything.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,whohave been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Steven Curtis sang Beauty Will Rise, Cinderella, Heaven is the Face, and Dive. Pretty moving as his sons played guitar and drums as back up.

Jeremy Camp also shared how losing his wife was the toughest thing. Before she died, she told him if 1 person comes to the Lord as a result of what she went through, it was worth it. She was still listening to Christian worship songs, raising her weak hands still praising Jesus. As he was coiled on the floor mourning her death, he felt like he also needed to stand and raise his hands in the air praising Jesus. So there in her room was their family, listening to worship songs, praising the Lord as she had just passed. What a picture! What a powerful display of faith!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Fallen Chicago firefighters remembered in memorial service

Kimberley Skubic, center, remembers her brother, Chicago Firefighter Christopher Wheatley who died in August battling a blaze at Avec restaurant downtown during the Chicago Fire Department Local second annual Memorial Ceremony at Rosehill Cemetery, honoring fallen firefighters today. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune)
Every year, they come to pay their respect to fellow firefighters who went before them.

Today, the 28th annual memorial service at Rosehill Cemetery was more somber than usual. Firefighters clad in blue uniforms with white gloves and others in black leather and blue jeans paid special tribute to Christopher Wheatley, the first member of the Chicago Fire Department to die battling a blaze in more than a decade.

"It's one of the toughest things for a family to go through," fire Commissioner Robert Hoff said to Wheatley's family. "We're sorry for your loss. It's our loss also."

Wheatley, 31, answered the call to a grease-chute fire at a West Loop restaurant on Aug. 9. He was climbing a fire-escape ladder, weighed down with 40 pounds of gear, when he slipped and fell to his death.

"We just went through this tragedy with Wheatley. It's so new and fresh," said Kenny Taylor, a 22-year department veteran who routinely attends the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local No. 2 memorial service. "It's just about respecting all these guys."

It was Wheatley's lifelong dream to become a firefighter, his family said. With hard work and diligence, he achieved that goal in 2008 after eight years as a paramedic. Wheatley was passionate about fighting fires, and he never hesitated to run into a burning building while others were running out.

"As hard as it is to go through these events, we continue to come to honor our son," his mother, Mary Wheatley, said after the ceremony. "Our family never has to worry about what should have been said. We always knew he loved us, and he always knew we loved him. We said it to each other every day."

These past 2 nights have been phenomenal! Hearts are so open right now to believing in something that is greater than themselves. To realize we are not in control, God is! To realize we need him more than we admit, to open our eyes to a life saving faith and peace that only Jesus Christ can answer. To gather with other believers andpray for those who are lost, to witness before thousands, over 1500 people turning their lives over to the Lord. This - is what Chicago Harvest is all about this weekend!
ONE MORE NIGHT! Tonight is also streaming live here!You can also watch the last 2 nights archived on video. SO GOOD!!! So far Friday night we had Heather Headley (Tony award winning), The Katinas, David Crowder Band. Last night (Saturday) was Kirk Franklin and SKILLET! Here are some photos. More to come! Tonight will be Jeremy Camp and Steven Curtis Chapman!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1

I was 9 years old, in a Christian school, and Psalm 19 was the chapter we were asked to memorize. I only had the King James version, so "firmament" made no sense to me. Not until I saw this video from Louie Giglio called "Indescribable." This has to be one of the best explanations of this verse, with many more added to go a few steps further. This is part 1 of 5, watch it! You'll be glad you did.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Sometimes while homeschooling, I need to be reminded to sit back and enjoy the moments. This moment was a two-parter. My daughter yelled, "Look at my new thunderstorm seat, mom!" I walked in thinking "it will probably be in a box behind the washer." To my surprise, I found her perched in the window cheerfully anticipating the next storm. This has been a long day coming with her. Our other 2 kids love storms, she however, hasn't had the best experience with them. The two-parter comes with working on her book chapters. She loves to read, so she was already working on her reading for the day!

I love this song! I have played it, posted it, shared it, been ministered to by it.. Then I heard on the radio that the lead singer of Sanctus Real's son they were waiting for had an underdeveloped heart. Little Bowen has been fighting for his life, and here is their blog explaining the miracles happening in their lives. I just sit back and pray. This group (Sanctus Real) has been ministering to so many others, now he needs prayer like never before.

Fire forces residents from Rogers Park building

Chicago firefighters respond to a blaze at an apartment building this morning in the North Side's Rogers Park neighborhood. (Chicago Tribune / Liam Ford)
Several residents of a Rogers Park apartment building were evacuated this morning after a fire broke out on the back porches of their building.

No injuries were reported during the blaze, which was first reported at about 7:51 a.m. at the four-story building in the the 1400 block of Albion Avenue, said Rich Rosado, a Chicago Fire Department spokesman.
The fire spread to a 1½-story frame house around the corner in the 6500 block of North Newgard Avenue and caused some damage.
Witnesses on the scene said it appeared the fire originated on the third or fourth level of the building. It was struck out by about 8:30 a.m., Rosado said.-- Liam Ford, staff

Praying he heals quickly..

Firefighter injured in Far South Side blaze

A firefighter was taken to the hospital in good condition with a minor injury suffered at a blaze at a vacant building on the Far South Side in the city's West Pullman neighborhood.
The fire broke out about 3:15 a.m. at a vacant 1½-story brick bungalow in the 12000 block of South Perry Avenue, said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Joe Roccasalva.
As of 4 a.m., firefighters were still on the scene, he said.
The roof of the building collapsed and a firefighter was injured, but he was taken in good condition with a face laceration to MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island, Roccaslava said.
No other injuries were reported in the blaze, he said.
-- Deanese Williams-Harris

Sunday, September 19, 2010

I have been through several Beth Moore Bible studies. Starting with Daniel, Esther, and finally Breaking Free. If you were to ask me if I could have lunch with any one person in the world, who would it be? My answer would fire back at you: Beth Moore! So, in April or so this year at one of our studies, several ladies were discussing getting tickets to see her LIVE in Chicago this September. It seemed like such a long time away, but I wanted to go so desperately. Our family took a lengthy vacation throughout the summer, and I had felt like a ticket was too extravagant at this time. I got home to discover the event was sold out anyway. I felt like that was my answer, I really didn't need to go, I just really wanted to!

Fast forward two nights ago, we had been out all day long. I checked my emails and there was a message to our entire Bible study group saying someone had an extra ticket for free! Time sent.. an HOUR ago! My fingers couldn't type fast enough on my phone. I sent a random message to someone I didn't even know, something like "Probably too late, but I'd absolutely love to go!" I waited for a whole 5 or 10 min (that seemed like an endless eternity) for a message back. A sweet woman named Colleen emailed me back with the simple words, "Kara, you are the winner!!! Call me asap!" (Insert my screams for joy here)

Life can sometimes get frustrating with relationships, families can get testy, sometimes you just need a break. I love my family dearly, but this was one of those days I needed to get out and do something to "build myself up." (see my notes below) With God, there are no coincidences! I was going for a reason.

Early the next morning as I drove, I had a great time in prayer. Praying for my family, for my parents, and finally for Beth. She ministers to so many women 24/7 with her passion for them and their lives. I was left wondering, "Who is her Beth Moore?" I prayed that God would speak through her, give her wisdom, and help her lead all of our weary-eyed selves in worship and in truth.

I met that sweet angel, Colleen, at the front of the venue. She greeted me with a huge smile and told me she'd been praying that this ticket would go to the right person. Immediately I felt unworthy, because after all, who feels worthy enough to accept something that is such a blessing to you? We small talked, we had both lived in Washington State, giggled a little and walked into a sea of women. Mostly all smiles from ear to ear as we found our church's saved isles. Another angel from our church, Naomi, had arrived there since early morning to save all of these for us women! Last minute a few women plopped themselves down and said, "no saving seats" and the only woman to not get to sit with our group of 30+ women, was none other than...Naomi! She waved sweetly as she went to find another seat. I was heartbroken for someone I didn't even know who had gone out of their way to make this event extra special for all of us.

THE EVENT! Our worship team was Travis Cottrell and team. From the moment the music started, tears were streaming down my face as I raised my hands in the air worshiping the Lord and singing praises to Him. Beth Moore (I was secretly screaming inside) came out and warmly greeted us and began to teach us about the 8 Tastes of Kindness. I will share some of my notes with you. Grab your Bible, follow along, and enjoy this time!

Our memory verse: Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." The word law is interpreted "Torat-hesed" meaning Torah. The law or instruction given to them.

Why?

A. We live in a mean world! It only seems to get worse. Not only from natural disasters, but by man as well. People are becoming increasingly wicked, mean and self centered.(read II Timothy 3 - We live in perilous times)

B. Because, "she opens her mouth." We are always teaching and publishing. We are mothers, teachers, bloggers, facebookers, texters, emailers... which leads us to.. We do not have an editor to help guide us before we throw something out into the world. Authors have editors, we just create noise as we sometimes don't think about what we say when we publish. (read Luke 6:45 Out of the overlow, the heart speaks)

8 Tastes of Kindness (we should have on our tongue before we speak)

1. Kindness is not weakness! It is a strength. We show ourselves to be "sons (daughters) of the Most High God. Everyone has someone in their life that is hard to be kind to. They are ungrateful or mean, but we are called to show our kindness. We represent the "Most High" as sons and daughters. (read Luke 6:35-36 Love your enemies; Psalm 141:5 Kindness can speak a hard word, in a kind way.)

We want to be Kind. Not "Nice." The word "Nice" originally meant - foolish, stupid, ignorant, incapable.

2. Kindness is not an action, it's a disposition. Kind (Greek word, chrestos) meaning profitable, fit, good for any use, useful toward others, good natured. Kindness (Greek word, chrestotes) meaning one of the qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit. It is grace which pervades the whole nature. Descriptive of one's disposition. (read Proverbs 11:16)

It cannot be faked. You can fake "nice," you cannot fake "kind."

3. Kindness wears down when we do! We can name a million things that wear us down. Resentment, jealousy, hatred, out of control in relationships. (read II Timothy 2:24) When we are worn down, we need to be built up again!

Daniel 7:25 - He (the evil one) shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. We need to be built up, be transparent with someone that is of the Lord. (read Ephesians 4: 12, 16, 29 speaks about being built up)
Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Easy interprets as "chrestos" or... KIND!

4. Kindness looks pain in the face! Titus 3:4 "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." Kindness here being that word again, "chrestotes," and the word love being the Greek word, "philanthropia" (love of humanity). The word appeared being from the word "epiphaina" or, epiphany. He came as the incarnate epiphany of the love of God!

5. Kindness is a Savior! The expression of Joy! Own it, He gave this life, grace and love to you for nothing. (read Ephesians 2:4-10)

6. Kindness has good memory! God has been good to us. He has been kind. Remember, we cannot be yoked up in kindness without Him.
I want to walk with You, I want to freely go. Even when we let go, He still hangs on to us!

7. Kindness craves an outlet! We want an opportunity to show kindness. I will pray I have time to often do this in someone's life. We wear a lot of yokes sometimes that are not meant for us. We get caught up in so much. We forget that only God has that yoke of kindness. We get worn down!

8. Kindness leaves a legacy! Acts 28:1-2 The previous chapter talks about Paul sailing from Rome. They shipwrecked and this was the end result. vs. 1-2. "Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold." The Houston Chronicle just ran an article about Charitable Giving. Malta's people are ranked at 83% of their citizens that give. They have created a legacy from these early times.
If we can raise Christian children that turn out "kind" in a mean world, it is because of our cries for wisdom!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Here's another jumper that our guys had to rescue. The comments say it all. This time at least the guy didn't die! The last guy who jumped into the river, my husband and crew wound up doing a recovery because he couldn't swim.

Cops: Man stealing auto parts jumps into river to flee

A man running from Chicago police officers jumped into the North Branch of the Chicago River, breaking a leg before seeking refuge on a nearby barge.Chicago police and fire personnel rescue a man from the Chicago River near Webster and Elston avenues. (Tribune / Nuccio DiNuzzo)

The incident happened about 9:20 p.m. Wednesday near Webster and Elston avenues on the North Side.
Preliminary reports said officers were called to the scene after someone complained of loud power tool noises coming from a Budget Rental parking lot, said Police News Affairs Officer Robert Perez. Police said the man was underneath vehicles stealing parts when they arrived.
When police tried to take the man into custody, he took off running and jumped into the river injuring one or both of his legs. It is not clear how he injured himself, but police found him clinging to a barge in the river.
An officer at the scene threw a rope down to the 36-year-old man and he was pulled to land, police said.
He was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center to be treated for the broken leg, said Fire Department Chief Joe Roccasalva.
So far, no charges have been filed against the man, Perez said.
--Staff report

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I would have to say this movie really touched me. The kids were watching it and laughing in the backseat of my van as I was driving them all around God's green earth last night. It reminded me to post this to my blog. It has a great message of hope and reconciliation. It is a family friendly movie, although it still addresses some questionable issues. If you haven't seen this yet, watch it and tell me what you think!

After my son saw this at age 11, he looked up with his face beat red and said, "I will NEVER treat my wife like that!" I'd say the movie touches every age out there in a positive way.

There is also a way to apply this to your life with the 40 day Love Dare book. I did this "dare" through KLove's challenge they had on the air every day with Lisa and Eric's morning show. I couldn't believe how each and every day my husband and I were faced with almost every obstacle they were talking about. I am so thankful I was smack in the middle of this and didn't want to give up. Today I think we are stronger because of this challenge. I dare you to take it!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Join us! I cannot wait to attend this here in Chicago. Who is all going?
I surprised my son and took him to a Toby Mac/Skillet concert last year, and just have to say, they were both amazing! Skillet is pretty much right up my alley. :) Even though they are a harder rock type band (the only one going for the weekend), they convey Christ's love for us and have a great testimony! Jeremy Camp, David Crowder.. ahh and Steven Curtis Chapman I am dying to see as well!
We are praying for a blessed gathering and the Lord to speak through Greg Laurie.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

When raising children, I think one of the most important things to remember is that we are raising our boys as Mighty Oaks, "deeply rooted in good soil." Our daughters as Graceful Pillars "beautiful, polished and strong." It is a tough world out there. Some days I just feel so overwhelmed. Then, I am reminded of God's promises in this sermon that make me remember it's all worth it!

Here is a link to one of my favorite sermons from one of my favorite preachers, Pastor Ray Pritchard.

My 15 yr old daughter and I watched TO SAVE A LIFE a couple nights ago. I have to say, this was an excellent movie! There are so many kids out there hurting. I think kids these days are so used to living in a self serving world, they don't even notice those crying out around them.
Let's encourage our kids to "Save a Life."